Gilberto J. Debelian, D.M.D., Ph.D. From a biological perspective, nonsurgical retreatment should be the first choice of therapy for post-treatment endodontic disease (PTED). However, achieving critical disinfection of the apical third is not always possible by retreatment, or doing so will jeopardize the survivability of the tooth. With the introduction of new technologies such as CBCT for surgical treatment planning, microscopic instruments, operating microscopes and biocompatible/active retrofilling materials such as bioceramics, the success rate of endodontic microsurgery has significantly improved. In fact, recent literature shows that, when indicated, endodontic microsurgery will lead to success rates equal to or even higher than nonsurgical retreatment. In this presentation, clinical strategies for the treatment of PTED will be discussed. Several clinical cases will be presented using video demonstrations illustrating each clinical step throughout the endodontic microsurgical procedures, including soft- and hard-tissue management, root-end preparation and the use of the new second-generation bioceramic retrofilling materials.

Mohamed I. Fayad, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D. Cone beam volumetric tomography is a diagnostic imaging modality that provides high-quality, accurate, three-dimensional representations of the osseous elements of the maxillofacial skeleton. CBVT has great potential to become a valuable tool in modern endodontic microsurgery. Different applications of CBVT in diagnosis, treatment planning and long-term outcome evaluation of periapical surgery will be reviewed. Video footage of clinical cases will be utilized to demonstrate the 3-D scan evaluation as well as the surgical procedures for cases involving vital structures and cases where bone grafting is indicated.

Speaker: Aviad Tamse, B.D.S. Accurate and timely diagnosis of vertical root fracture (VRF) is still confusing and perplexing at times for the clinician. In recent years, with the improvements in CBCT imaging techniques, this diagnostic modality can be useful for better visualization of the bony resorption around the root, but not so much for the fracture itself since it depends on the fracture size and various artifacts.

There is a vast body of knowledge in medical radiology and cognitive science largely unknown in dentistry bearing directly on the perceptual and cognitive factors that influence interpretation of both PA projection radiography and CBCT studies. Understanding these factors is particularly important in avoiding errors in CBCT interpretation.

Speaker: Kent A. Sabey, D.D.S. The components of endodontic therapy—diagnosis, treatment, and re-evaluation—can occasionally be enhanced and solidified with the addition of information gained from limited-field CBCT imaging. This session will review the 12 recommendations contained in the 2015 AAE-AAOMR joint position statement.

Speaker: Anne L. Koch, D.M.D. Recently, it has been reported that a single cone bioceramic sealer technique has been used in twenty million cases. This presentation will share the history of this technique that has gained worldwide acceptance from its genesis through today.

Speakers: Richard D. Archer, D.D.S., M.S., Sandra Madison, D.D.S., M.S., Clara M. Spatafore, D.D.S., M.S., Sean O. Lawson, D.D.S., M.S.D. A panel of speakers will discuss the types of transitions that can occur in an endodontic practice and the logistics that go along with the journey. Each speaker will present the road that they took to achieve their current positions, including the pros, cons and obstacles along the way.

Speakers: Alan Gluskin, D.D.S., Roberta Pileggi, D.D.S., M.S. As educators we understand that communication skills, patient rapport and patient management are critical components of health care. This presentation will demonstrate how two virtual patients presenting with dental pain and trauma can be used in your curriculum to support active case-based learning, enhancing students’ diagnostic abilities, clinical management, communication skills and cultural sensitivity.

Speaker: Igor Tsesis, D.M.D. A decision of intervention for an endodontically treated tooth with periapical radiolucency should be based on the technical feasibility of the treatment, risk of complications and patient values and preferences. This presentation will discuss patient-focused clinical decision making process regarding the management and preservation of natural teeth based on the principles of evidence based medicine.

Speaker: Dwayne D. Arola, Ph.D.This presentation will address the mechanical behavior of dentin, with special emphasis on the strength and fracture resistance.